What's On & Expat - Philippines

Seventy-five percent of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes can be found in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a band of volcanoes and fault lines circling the edges of the Pacific Ocean. All the 7,107 islands that comprise the Philippine archipelago lie within this tiny, horseshoe-shaped area of the South Pacific. The country itself is home to many volcanoes, 22 of which are still active including the diminutive but volatile Taal, the amazingly symmetrical Mayon and Mt. Pinatubo whose 1991 eruption had global ramifications.
   Volcanic eruptions may be destructive but volcanoes can also be scenic attractions and, if harnessed correctly, can prove to be a treasure to the tourism industry of any country. In a Volcano Ecotourism Forum sponsored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and

Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the French Embassy in the Philippines at the PHIVOLCS Auditorium, experts from different sectors spoke about the benefits of developing volcanic sites as ecotourist destinations and the other products of volcanism.
   The idea of ecotourism or responsible tourism began to officially take shape in the 1980s and has been growing in popularity in the last two decades. The boom in ecotourism is indicative of the changing tourist mindset, displaying an increased environmental concern and social consciousness. Ecotourism usually involves traveling to destinations that underlines natural wonders and local cultural heritage. Ecotourism also commonly involves activities that promote

Volcano ecotourism poses immense potential in the Philippine tourism industry (Photo courtesy of Lala Kruger)

conservation and preserve the culture. It creates economic opportunities for the local community without compromising the integrity of the natural environment.
   Residual heat from volcanoes also serves as a source for geothermal energy and may also be used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Hot springs and warm mineral springs are huge tourist attractions.
   A good example of tturning calamity into opportunity and developing ecotourism is the

Department of Tourism’s Kabuhayan sa Turismo (livelihood through tourism) Program that started in Tarlac. Upon discovering an access trail to the Mt. Pinatubo crater, the local community became recipients of job and incoming generating opportunities like tour guiding, homestays and other entrepreneurial ventures. Pinatubo trek draws hundreds of local and foreign eco-tourists annually.